Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 11008, Joel Foster, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Lester, Joel Mary
M. 11008
B.L. Mt 77533-160-55
CONTENTS

6313
Louisiana
Mary Foster, widow of Joel, Foster Ya
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80, dollars 00 cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued 5 th day of January 1858, and sent to
Hon. Thos. G. Davidson, H. R.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 376. Vol. A

Letter to Pensions July 1838. —
Letter to H. Baylies Esq. from Patrik [?] Patrik [?] Same [?]
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6 th April 1838 from 4 March 1837 to 4 March 1838, Agent Notified 21. Decr 1842.
Letter to Nicholas Baylies Esq. 3 Audie too Aug 12. 1847. J. H. A. Baylies 13 March 1837
265774
Louisiana 26.237
Joel Foster of St. Helena in the State of La who was a [?] Captain Foster of the [?] Col [?] in the [?] for [?]
$ 80.00
Inscribed on the Roll of Louisiana at the rate of 80 Dollars — Beats per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 th day of April and [?] 1831. [?]
Arrears to the 4th of Oct 34 $80.00 Semi-annual allowance ending [?] $ 280.00
Recorded By [?] Book [?] Vol. 8 Page 45 Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.

265. 774      Act man. 3. 17 Dat. 20. 16
Mary Foster, 28 th / 58 Joel Foster, ind. 77. 533      Pn.
11. 160 (a) Jan; 28/58 Bry. M.
Very war.
Pen? Act 7. June 1832 La Lune 32-26237
Spec. B. Hon. J. G. Davidson. Ho: Reps to be Present.
S. P. P. McKen (Feb 7/97)
Vol. II. 116. 2

The State of Louisiana Parish of St. Helena
S.S.
On this twentieth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hun- dred & thirty three, personally appeared in open court before Burlin Childers Parish Judge of the Parish Court of said par- ish now sitting Fort Foster a resident of the State of Louis- iana Parish of St. Helena aged seventy years & going in his seventy first year who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That he entered the service of the the State under the following named officers, & served as below stated, viz & was first enrolled under Captain Josiah Foster, as a Militia man, about the year 1777 sometime in the fall of the year in the State of Virginia, Gloucester County now called Matthews County, he continued in the service under Captain Josiah Foster about two years, he was in no engage- ment, only the British ships fired on our Guards several times but no engagement. Isaac Foster was the Lieutenant of said Company, he never was drafted, and this deponent was a resi- dent of Gloucester County, Kingston Parish, on the Banks of the Chesapeake Bay, he was not a substitute for any person at the end of two years Captain Josiah Foster resigned, and Isaac Foster being the senior officer in said Company the captaincy then devolved on him, and Josiah Foster was then appointed 1st Lieutenant. Wherefore I do, he does not recollect to what regiment he belonged but was com- manded by Colonel John Peyton, and Lieutenant Colonel John Page, Major John Dixon. He does not recollect the names of the other officers, he never marched to any place out of the County but once, then Captain Peter Barneth made a call for Volunteers to go to Richmond in said State, at the time General Arnold burnt Richmond, in Jan- uary 1781, and this deponent volunteered his services under the command of said Captain Barneth, he then had orders to march to Richmond but after marching ten that route one day our orders were countermanded & we then received orders to move

for Williams Burgh in said State, we then marched on to Williamsburgh, where we remained near about two weeks, & then we received orders to march under Captain Barnett & Colonel Page who also took command at Williams Burgh, to Mul- berry island or Mulberry Landing he does not recollect which when it was thought the English intended to land which we remained at the Island or Landing General Nelson joined us & the British Fleet passed this place the same day without calling, & on the same evening we marched back up to Williamsburgh, said Landing or Island being also in the State of Virginia, we then remained only one night at Williamsburgh when we received orders to march for Little York, also in said State, and after arriving at that place in the evening & on the next morning we were paraded & reviewed & discharged with orders to join our respective Companies, which we did on the next day - Colonel Ennis had the command of the Regular Troops at Williams Burgh, he also knew the commander of the regulars at Little York but at this time has forgotten his name, but he was a Major, he then remained under the command of Isaac Forster as Captain until the Surrender of Lord Cornwallis; our Quarters was at the Court house of said County, and during the Siege of Little York we were under the command of General Lafayette, and after the Surrender of Cornwallis we were then discharged but we did not receive any written discharge, which was in the month of October in the year 1781. he thinks that his name can be found on the pay Roll of Captain Isaac Forster & also on the Company of Holloway Vain Peter Bassett.
And he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present - he declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of any agency in any State.
Isaac Forster
Sworn to & Subscribed This 20 th day of May A.D. 1833 Percy Chulans, P.S.

Claim for Pension Act of 3. Feby 1833
Mrs Mary Foster widow of Joel Foster Declaration

The State of Louisiana } Eighth Judicial District Parish of St Helena } Court — Sitting in Vacation
Be it known and Remembered That on this 21 st day of July A.D. 1857 I Julius C. Wilson Judge of the Eighth Judicial District Court of said State of Louisiana, having jurisdiction within and for said Parish of St Helena: Proceeded to the Residence of Mrs. Mary Foster in said parish during Vacation of said Court. The said Mrs. Foster from age and bodily infirmity being unable to appear in open Court, and being by me first duly sworn on her oath, made, subscribed and acknowledged the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision of the act of Congress passed February 3. 1853, granting Pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. Declarant states that she is a resident of the parish of St Helena Louisiana, that she is about Eighty years of age, that she is the widow of Joel Foster late of St Helena parish deceased, that her husband the said Joel Foster is the identical Joel Foster who was a pensioner under the act of Congress of June 7. 1832 at eighty Dollars per annum on the La Roll payable Semi Annually at New Orleans by the President of the U. S. B. B. R. Agent for paying pensions in the Agency of Louisiana, as will more fully appear by reference to Certificate of pension given by Lewis Cass Secretary War bearing date the 8 th day of April 1834 and Recorded in the pension Office in Book E. Vol 8 page 45 by John T. Sprague, a certified Copy of which is prayed to be made a part of this Declaration and affidavit.
Declarant further states, that she was married to Joel Foster in the state of North Carolina on the 1 st day of November 1810 by one Humphrey Hudson a Justice of the peace, and that her name before

her said marriage was Mary Staples.
That her said husband departed this life in the parish of St Helena on the 12 th day of August 1851, and that she has remained a widow since the death of her said husband, and that she has no public or private Record of her marriage except that contained in her family Bible
Sworn & subscribed to before me this 21 st day of July A.D. 1857.
M. M.
Mary Lester
Julius E. Wilson Judge 8 th Judicial District of Louisiana -
The State of Louisiana § I James A Williams Parish of St Helena § Clerk of the 8 th District , Comptroller in and for the parish and state aforesaid Do hereby Certify that Julius E Wilson whose name appears to the foregoing Certificate and attestation is and was at the time Presiding Judge of the Eighth District Court of the State of Louisiana having jurisdiction within and for the parish of St Helena - That his signature thereto is genuine and his attestation is in due form of law and entitled to full faith and credit in judicature and there- -fore - I further Certify that said 8 th Dist Court is a Court of Record.
Witness my Seal and signature official this 11 th day of August 1857
James A Williams
Clerk

Application for Bounty Land
265.274
M rs Mary Foster— Widow of Joel. Act of Mar 3. 1855.
Chas. B. Tucker Present.

The State of Louisiana } On this the 3 rd day of December Parish of St Helena } A D 1856 Before me the undersigned Justice of the peace in and for the parish and State aforesaid, Personally came and appeared Mrs Mary Foster aged about eighty years, a resident of said parish and state who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of Joel Foster who was a pensioner under the act of Congress of June 7 th 1832 at eighty Dollars per annum on the m th La th Roll, as appears by Certificate of Pension, given by Lewis Cass Secretary War of date 8 th day of April 1835, examined and countersigned by J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions; payable at New Orleans by First U. S. B. B. & L. Agent for paying pensions in the Agency of Louisiana & Recorded in the Pension Office in Book E. Vol 8 page 45 by John D. Sprague"
Affiant further states that she was married to the said Joel Foster in the state of North Carolina on the 4 th day of November 1810 by One Umphrey Hudgens a Justice of the peace, that her name before her said marriage was Mary Staples, that her said husband died in the parish of St Helena State of Louisi- ana on the 12 th day of August, A D 1851, and that she is now a widow
She makes this Declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she is entitled under the act of March 3 rd 1855, never having received bounty land, and her husband never having received bounty land, or knowing that she is entitled except for the services of her said husband - And she hereby constitutes and appoints Charles C. Tucker Esq r of Washington City D. C. her attorney to prosecute her claim and procure her warrant hereby authorizing her said Attorney to obtain from the proper authorities

at Washington City or elsewhere Certified Copies of any Army or Navy Records or Documents in which her Said husband's Services may be recorded, and to procure any and all other Evidence that may be necessary to establish her claim as fully as if personally present; hereby revoking and Countermanding all former Authority that may have been given for the above specified purpose
Mary Foster
Sworn to, Subscribed and acknowledged before me the day and year first above written; and on the same day personally came before me both residents of St Helena parish said State, who being duly sworn declare that they are personally acquainted with Mrs Mary Foster widow of Joel Foster Deceased, who has made Subscribed and acknowledged the foregoing Declaration; that they were personally acquainted with Joel Foster and his wife during the life time of the former, and knew that they lived together as man and wife, and were so reputed; and they believe that the husband of the said Mrs Mary Foster was the identical person who drew a pension under the act of Congress of June 7 th 1832, as they saw him several times make out his pension papers, and they know he received a pension of eighty Dollars per annum for several years; that said Joel Foster is now dead, having died on the 14 th August 1831, and that Mrs Mary Foster is now a widow - They further swear that they are not in any manner interested in this claim, or in making this affidavit
J. W. Womack John Bustin
Sworn to and Subscribed before me, and I certify that I am not interested in the claim, or concerned in its prosecution, and I further certify that I know the above affiants to be credible witnesses and the claimant is the person she represents herself to be -
James Parker J. P.

The State of Louisiana } I, James A. Williams Clerk Parish of St. Helena } of the Eighth Judicial District Court in and for said parish
and State Herby Certify that James Parker Esqr whose name appears to the foregoing affidavit, Certificate and attestation, is and was at the time an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said parish and State, duly Elected and Commissioned. That his signature thereto is genuine, and that his attestation is in due form of law.
Witness my signature and Seal Official this the 2 nd day of December A D 1836
James A Williams Clerk.

Jack Foster Louisiana
Return to
Adm 2 years
$80
Gen P. Thomas M 6 Present.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
13. November 1833.
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Joel Hostler.
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     1777. 2 priv Capt. Hostler Col. Peyton. 70 years Gloucester Co. Va  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
This was evidently Militia service, the claimant should therefore amend his declaration as pointing out on the 2 5 page — specifying his tours &c — see Note & 3 5 page. —

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this            day of            personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of            in the county of            and State, Territory or District of            aged (c)            years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)            , with            and served in the            (e) regiment of the            line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I            of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of            for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of            &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the            and C. D. residing in (the same)            , who has hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with            , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the            and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the            and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I,            Clerk of the Court of            do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this            day of            &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required; and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposes and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must fix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent the paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Mary Foster, widow of Joe Foster — 6313 Parish of St. Helena — Louisiana
Admitted, act February 3, 1883 at rate of $80 per annum, commencing at date of said act. // Tenure private 2 years // State, on margin of Certificate Annuity due 14 Sept. last.
// Certificate to Hon Thomas G. Davidson
None of these

9
77,533
The Acers

No 6818
Mary Foster, widow of Joel Louisiana
Lt. J. J. Thompson
Aug 31, 1852 1853 Jan'y 2. Let to Wal. H. Davis
Not Feb'y 3. 1853

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
Nov. 22, 1842.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," and the 3d section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, Joel Foster _____ a Pensioner on the Roll of the Louisiana _____ Agency, at the rate of — Eighty _____ Dollars and _____ Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of March 1837, to the 4 th March 1838.
Respectfully, yours,
 Comptroller.
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS, Present.

Greensburg La. Nov. 11. 1851
Hon James E Keath Com r of Pensions, Baton Rouge,
Mr. Joel Foster an aged revolutionary pensioner died in this parish a few months since, leaving a surviving widow.
Prior to his death he gave a power of attorney to a gentleman to draw his pension already due but which for some reason, I think possibly the failure of the attorney to see the pension agent when he went to New Orleans, remains unpaid. A part of the next semi annual period had elapsed when Mr. Foster died. Please to inform me whether for this unexpired portion of the half year a pro rata proportion of the pension will be paid and to whom as also the amount of the pension for the half year already expired and for which Mr. Foster gave the power of attorney! Should the payment be made to the surviving widow or to the administrator of Mr. Foster's estate? or can the attorney draw under the power which Mr.

Foster executed the amount then due?
Please also to inform me whether the pension will be continued to the surviving widow and what proof will be required to entitle her to it?
I write at the instance of a party interested and by answering this letter at your earliest convenience you will much oblige
Very respectfully,
Your Obedt Servt
Nicholas Baylies.

Pension Office, January 2. 1858.
Dear Sir,
In reply to the enclosed letter of J. F. Thompson, Esq., respecting the case of Mary Foster, widow of Joel Foster, I have to inform you that the claim was examined on the 3rd last and a report, a copy of which is herewith transmitted, made to the Agent of Mrs. Foster, since which time no additional evidence has been filed.
I have the honor to be, Very respectfully, Your obedt. Servt., J. Cole for Commissioner.
Hon. T. G. Davidson, House of Reps.

July 18.
Grantsburg La June 30 th
Free
Dr. McNamee
No Exams
J. J. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D. C.

St. Helena La. June. 27 th 1838
Sir,
Having lately applied, through my attorney for my annual pension, which became due on the 4 th March last, my health not permitting me to go in person, to the pension agent in New Orleans, he instructed my attorney that he was not authorized to pay it, and did not assign any cause for so doing, only that such were his instructions, nor could he inform me what steps to take that I might eventually obtain it. My papers were properly authenticated by the proper officers, and no objection was made to payment on that ground, and have always drawn my pension annually, by my attorney in the usual manner until now, if my circumstances did not require such relief, I should not think it so hard, but they do, and that in the extreme. The expense and trouble in obtaining my pension amounts to one fourth the whole amount, were I able to go to the City myself, which is about 100 miles from my residence, and my age and infirmity do not allow to undergo such a task, I have therefore no other remedy but to apply to you, supposing you to be the proper person from whom

I may obtain the necessary information, and what Steps are necessary to be taken, and shall anxiously await your answer. which I hope you will have the goodness to comply with Nothing could have induced me to trouble you with this request but necessity, and the actual need I have. For so little a sum as it has been the principal means of my subsistence.
I am Sir
With great respect & esteem Your obed t Serv t . Joel Foster.
To The Honble
J L Edmunds, Commrs s of Pensions

Brief in the case of Mary Foster, widow of Joel Foster - Parish of N. Orleans County and State of Louisiana act February 3, 1883.
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner under act of June 7, 1832, at rate of $80 per annum, and was paid to 4 th September 1857 as per 3 rd auditor's certificate - He died Aug 12, 1857, as proved by proof
Marriage (in 1810) identity, and widowhood proved by two witnesses, duly certified to the audit
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Allowance accordingly.
M m Thomas G. Davidson,
Name and residence of Agent
House of Representatives.
R. Bedder Examining Clerk.

Know all men by these presents, That I, Isid. Foster of the parish of S. Helena & State of Louisiana. Pensioner of the United States, do hereby constitute and appoint Stephen R. Corkern my true and lawful Attorney, for me, and in my name, to re- ceive from the Agent of the United States for paying pensions in the agency of the state of Louisiana. my pension from the Fourth day of March . 1837, to the Fourth day of March 1838. Witness my hand and seal, this 23 rd day of May 1838 Sealed and delivered
in presence of John Corkern Edmund Torman
Signed Duplicates Isid. Foster Seal
State of Louisiana } Parish of S. Helena County, } ss.
Be it known, That on the 23 rd of May 1838, before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared Isid. Foster above named, and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be his act and deed. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand the day and year last above mentioned.
Harvey Day J. Peace.
State of Louisiana } Parish of S. Helena County, } ss.
Be it known, That on the 23 rd day of May 1838, before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared Stephen R. Corkern the Attorney named in the foregoing power of attorney, and made oath that the same was not given him by reason of any sale, transfer or mortgage of the pension, or arrears of pension therein authorized to be received by him.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year last above mentioned, before me
Harvey Day J.P. Stephen R. Corkern

State of
ss. County,
Be it known, that before me, _____ a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared _____ Guardian of _____ and made oath in due form of law that the said _____ is still living, and is the identical person named in the original certificate in his possession, of which (I certify) the following is a true copy.
that he now resides in _____ and has resided there for the space of years past, and that previous thereto he resided in _____
Guardian.
Sworn and subscribed this day of _____ 18 before me.
Bank of _____
Received of _____ 18 cents, being for _____ Agent for paying pensions, dollars day of _____ 18 _____, to the _____ from the have signed duplicate receipts. _____ day of _____ 18 _____, for which I Dolls.

State of Louisiana } ss. Parish of St. Helena County, } ss.
Parish
Be it known, that before me, Harvey Day a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Joel Foster and made oath in due form of law, that he is the identical person named in an original certificate in his possession, of which (I certify) the following is a true copy: War Department, Revolutionary Claim. I certify
that, in conformity with the Law of the United States of the 7 th June 1832. Joel Foster of the State of Louisiana who was a private during the Revolutionary war is entitled to receive eighty dollars per annum during his natural life, commencing on the 4 th of March 1831 and payable semiannually on the 4 th of March and 4 th of September in every year. Given at the War office of the United States this 8 th day of April one thousand eight hundred and thirty four. Secy  of War examined and countersigned. J. L. Edward, Commissioner of Pensions. Payments to be made at New Orleans La. by Pres. U. S. Br. R.R. agent for Paying Pensioners, in the agency of La. Recorded in the Pension office in Book E. Vol. 8 th page. 45. by John. F. Sprague Clerk (26.237)
that he now resides in the parish aforesaid and has resided there for the space of Seventeen years past, and that previous thereto, he resided in the State of Georgia Washington County
signed Duplicates
Joel Foster
Sworn and subscribed this 23 rd day of May 1838 before me
Harvey Day
A true copy of the Original Pension Certificate of Joel Foster. J. B. Draughon

State of Louisiana Parish County of St. Helena. May the 23 rd 1838
Parish
I Harvey Day that I have the most satisfactory evidence, viz:
a Magistrate in the county above named, do hereby certify
that Joel Foster who has this day appeared before me to take the oath of identity, is the identical person named in the pension certificate, which he has exhibited before me, numbered 15,137 and bearing date at the War Office, the Eighth day April 1834; and signed by Levi Cope Secretary of War.
Given under my hand, at St. Helena aforesaid on the day and year above written.
Harvey Day
I John Hollaway Clerk of the Court of the parish of St. Helena  county La. certify that Harvey Day is a Magistrate as above, and that the foregoing signature, purporting to be his, is genuine. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my seal of office, and subscribed my name, this 23 rd day of May in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight .
John Hollaway Clerk of the Court of the parish of St. Helena La.

Know all men by these presents, That I Joel Foster  of the Parish of St. Helena ss. Pensioner of the United States, do hereby constitute and appoint Stephen Corkearn my true and lawful Attorney, for me, and in my name, to re- ceive from the Agent of the United States for paying pensions in the agency of the state of  Louisiana my pension from the fourth day of March 1837, to the fourth day of March 1838. Witness my hand and seal, this  fourth day of June 1838 Sealed and delivered } in presence of }  Th Wells  David Hill  Joel Foster 
State of Louisiana Parish of St. Helena ss. Be it known, That on the fourth of June 1838, before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared Joel Foster above named, and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be his act and deed. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand the day and year last above mentioned.  Harry Day J. Peace.
State of Louisiana Parish of St. Helena County, ss. Be it known, That on the fourth day of June 1838, before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared Stephen Corkearn the Attorney named in the foregoing power of attorney, and made oath that the same was not given him by reason of any sale, transfer or mortgage of the pension, or arrears of pension therein authorized to be received by him. Sworn and subscribed the day and year last above mentioned, before me  Harry Day  Stephen R. Corkearn

State of
County, } ss.
Be it known, that before me, for said County, personally appeared
a Justice of the Peace in and Guardian of
is still living, and is the identical person named in the original certificate in his possession, of which (I certify) the following is a true copy.
that he now resides in years past, and that previous thereto he resided in
and has resided there for the space of
Guardian.
Sworn and subscribed this day of before me.
18
Bank of
18
Received of cents, being for day of have signed duplicate receipts.
months pension due to 18 , to the
Agent for paying pensions,
dollars
from the
day of
18
, for which I
Dolls.

State of Louisiana
Parish of St. Helena ----- , }
88.
5. Harvey Day
Be it known, that before me, W. W. W. a Justice of the Peace in and for the the County aforesaid, personally appeared God Foster — and made oath in due form of law, that he is the identical person named in an original certificate in his possession, of which (I certify) the following is a true copy: True Copy of Certificate of Birth
War Department Revolutionary Claim I certify that in conformity with the Law of the United States of the 4th June 1832 (rel. Hoste of the State of Louisiana who was a private during the Revolutionary war is entitled to receive eight dollars per annum during his natural life commencing on the 4th of March 1831 & payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September in every year. Given at the war office of the United States this 4th day of April one thousand eight hundred and thirty four - Lewis Cass Secretary of War examined & confirmed J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Payments to be made at New Orleans by Messrs. A. & S. Baker agents for paying Pensions in the agency of Louisiana - that he now resides in the Parish of Assumption and has resided there for the space of seventeen years past, and that previous thereto, he resided in State of Georgia Washington County -
that he now resides in the Parish of Iberville and has resided there for the space of seventeen years past, and that previous thereto, he resided in State of Georgia Washington County -
Sworn and subscribed this 4 th day of June 18 38 before me. H.P.
Harvey Day
= Recorded in the Pennon office in Book E. Vol 8. Page 45- by John F. Sprague Clerk (26. 257)

State of Louisiana Parish of of St Helena
June 14 th — 18 38 Harvey Day —
I Harvey Day a Magistrate in the county  Parish above named, do hereby certify that I have the most satisfactory evidence, viz:
that Isel Porter who has this day appeared before me to take the oath of identity, is the identical person named in the pension certificate, which he has exhibited before me, numbered 26.237 and bearing date at the War Office, the Eighth day April 18 34 ; and signed by Lewis Cass Secretary of War.
Given under my hand, at St Helena  forensia on the day and year above written. Harvey Day
I John Hollaway Clerk of the Court of the Parish of St Helena La certify that Harvey Day is a Magistrate as above, and that the foregoing signature, purporting to be his, is genuine. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my
seal of office, and subscribed my name, this 4 th day June in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight
John Hollaway
Clerk of the Court of the Parish of St. Helena (La.)

Know all men by these presents, That I, Joel Foster of the parish of St. Helena State of Louisiana Pensioner of the United States, do hereby constitute and appoint Jesse Fleming my true and lawful Attorney, for me, and in my name, to re- ceive from the Agent of the United States for paying pensions in the  New Orleans state of Louisiana my pension from the fourth day of March 1836 , to the fourth day of September  1836 . Witness my hand and seal, this 20th day of December  1836 Sealed and delivered }
in presence of Charles Gorman Cecile D. Strickland
Joel Foster
State of Louisiana Parish of St. Helena County , ss.
Be it known, That on the 20th of December  1836 , before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared Joel Foster above named, and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be his act and deed. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand the day and year last above mentioned.
J. Peace. Harvey Day & Reau
State of Louisiana Parish of St. Helena County , ss.
Be it known, That on the 20th day of December  1836 , before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared Joel Foster the Attorney named in the foregoing power of attorney, and made oath that the same was not given him by reason of any sale, transfer or mortgage of the pension, or arrears of pension therein authorized to be received by him.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year last above mentioned, before me
Harvey Day & Reau
signed duplication Joel Foster Jesse Fleming

State of
County, } ss.
Be it known, that before me, _____ a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared _____ Guardian of _____ and made oath in due form of law that the said _____ is still living, and is the identical person named in the original certificate in his possession, of which (I certify) the following is a true copy.
Copy
that he now resides in _____ and has resided there for the space of years past, and that previous thereto he resided in _____
Guardian.
Sworn and subscribed this _____ day of _____ 18____ before me.
Bank of _____
Received of _____ Agent for paying pensions, _____ 18 cents, being for _____ months pension due to _____ dollars day of _____ 18____, to the _____ day of _____ 18____, from the _____ have signed duplicate receipts. Dolls.

State of Louisiana } ss. Parish of St. Helena County, }
Be it known, that before me, Harvey D. J. Pierce a Justice of the Peace in and for the Parish County aforesaid, personally appeared Genl. Foster and made oath in due form of law, that he is the identical person named in an original certificate in his possession, of which (I certify) the following is a true copy: "War Department, Revolutionary claim"
I certify that, in conformity with the Law of the United States of the 7 th June 1832 Genl. Foster of the State of Louisiana who was a private during the Revolutionary War, is entitled to receive eighty dollars per annum during his natural life, commencing on the fourth of March 1831 and payable semi annually on the 4 th of March and 4 th of September in every year. Given at the War office of the United States this 8 th day of April one thousand eight hundred and thirty five. Geo. W. C. Cass. Secretary of War. Examined and countersigned. J. G. Edward. commissioner of pensions. "On the back of which certificate is endorsed" Payments to be made at New Orleans. La by Pres t . U.S. Bk. agent for paying pensioners in the agency of Louisiana. Recorded in the Pension office in B book. 6. vol. 3. page 45 by John. D. Sprague.
That he now resides in the parish of St. Helena in and State and has resided there for the space of fifteen years past, and that previous thereto, he resided in the State of Georgia Washington County
Signed Duplicate Genl. Foster Seal
Sworn and subscribed this 20 th day of December 1836 before me.
Harvey D. J. Pierce

State of Louisiana Parish of St. Helena December 20 th 1836
I Harvey Day a Magistrate in the county above named, do hereby certify that I have the most satisfactory evidence, viz:
that Joel Foster who has this day appeared before me to take the oath of identity, is the identical person named in the pension certificate, which he has exhibited before me, numbered 26,237 - and bearing date at the War Office, the eighth day of April 1834; and signed by Lew. Cass - Secretary of War.
Given under my hand, at St. Helena aforesaid, on the day and year above written.
Harvey Day
John Hollaway Clerk of the Court of the 8 th Judicial District county Parish aforesaid - certify that Harvey Day is a Magistrate as above, and that the foregoing signature, purporting to be his, is genuine. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my seal seal of office, and subscribed my name, this 20 th day December in the year eighteen hundred and thirty six.
John Hollaway
Clerk of the Court of the 8 th District for the County of St. Helena State of Louisiana

Washington City January 3. 1858.
I certify that I knew Joel Foster and his wife Mary who is now his widow from 1828 until the death of Joel Foster. They lived all that time in the Luna Ranch as man & wife raised a family of children. I aided in settling the Estate as a lawyer she received her portion under the law as his widow. She is now his widow having been his wife for thirty five or forty years.
Thomas G Davidson M c R o 8 th District Da

(Copy.)
Pension Office, August 31. 1857.
Sir:
The marriage of Mary Foster to Joel Foster, in right of whose services in the revolutionary war she claims pension under the Act of February 3. 1853, must be proved by record evidence, if any exist. For such evidence application should be made to the Clerk of the County Court of the County in which the marriage took place. A copy of the marriage bond might, at least, it is thought, be procured, which would suffice if the marriage itself is not of record. The date of her husband's death must also be proved.
For the arrears due the husband at the time of his death, application should be made to the Third Auditor of the Treasury. I enclose forms and instructions for such application.
Very respectfully Va. Va.
Geo. C. Whiting Commissioner.
J. F. Thompson Esq., Greensburg, La.

3 rd Auditor's Office August 29. 1837.
Sir:
Coel Foster, Louisiana Act June 7. 1832, at $80.- per annum, appears to have been paid to Sept. 4. 1830.
Very Resp y
Thos. J. Rind Actg Auditor.
Geo. E. Whiting Esq. Comm te of Pensions.

Pension Office, Aug. 28. 1853
The Third Auditor will please certify the date to which the within named pensioner was paid, and name of his widow if she draw the annuity due at his death.
Very respectfully, B. H. Hooper.
for Commissioner.
Yeddy

Louisiana
Col Edwards
War department
City of Washington
For Dr. Hays

Washington April 4 th 1834
Sir I inclose you again the papers of Mr Foster you will you be so kind as to act on his papers, and give me information of your decision, as soon as it may be convenient to you and oblige your Servt
Phil m Thomas

Greensburg Pa May 26
Free
1842 11th June
Mr Duke
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.

Greensburg, Parish of St Helena Louisiana
March 24. 1842
To the Hon. the Commissioner of Pensions -
Sir,
Mr. Joel Foster, a revolutionary soldier and an old resident of this Parish, has failed to obtain his Pension for the year A.D. 1838 in consequence of the Act of Congress of that year, requiring that the Pension should be paid at Washington if the person entitled to it should fail to apply for it within eight months.
Mr. Foster has, I believe, drawn his pension both prior to and subsequent to that year and being infirm and advanced in years I have promised to write to you to solicit information as to the course to be pursued to obtain his pension for that year and to request you to remit blank forms of the papers which it is necessary for him to furnish to entitle him to receive his pension.
I hope that you will favour me with an immediate answer to this letter as it is an

object of much importance to Mr. Foster to obtain his Pension for the year 1838 with as little delay as practicable.
I have the honor to be, Very respectfully, Your Oble Servt N. Baylies -

Washington January 27. 1858
Dear Sir
This letter will give you the information asked of your note. H Davidson
G. C. Whiting Esq. Barnes
Genl. Foster Revolutionary war
This Warrant
Reg N o 265774

State of Louisiana 2/3) Parish of St. Helena 2/3) Be it known that on the second day of March A.D. 1848 before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said Parish personally appeared Jesse Jesse Vining the attorney named in the foregoing power of attorney, and made oath that the same was not given him by reason of any sale, transfer or mortgage of the pension or arrears of pension therein authorized to be received by him. Given and subscribed the day and year last above mentioned before me J. B. Draughon J.P. Jesse Vining

St. Helena, La. 12 th March, 1834.
My dear General,
I have the satisfaction of enclosing you the additional declaration of our old veteran friend, Joel Foster. You, my dear sir, was an old soldier, and you can testify how the memory fails after such a lapse of time as the Revolution. I will mention a more recent event, in which our mutual friend Judge Woodroof and myself were actors. It was an occurrence of the late war. You will remember that our first battle for the defence of our own Louisiana, a state the most free, the most just and the most liberal of our Union, a Union which we both so dearly love, the  second was on the 23 d Decr. 1814; the second was on the 28 th , the third was on the 1 st Jany. 1815; the fourth on the 2 d , and this was the battle of which the judge and myself so widely diffused. I was confident the battle was fought on the 1 st the judge was

clearly of opinion that it was fought on the 4 th . We discussed this matter for several days, at different meetings. On look- ing over my letters to my wife, I found one giving a detail of the battle, and dated Jan'y. 2 d . Now, I say to you, if a man of as clear a head and tena- cious memory as Judge Woodroff should err so widely in about 18 years, how easy is it to imagine that the veterans of the Revolution should err? Not err , my dear General, but forget!
I write in open court, when a cause in which I am counsel, is trying, so that you must excuse any errors discoverable in this incongruous Epistle.
Most Truly Yours, &c.
James M. Bradford.
Gen. P. Thomas.

Eighth District Court - State of Louisiana, holding Sessions in the Parish of St. Helena, 12 th March, 1834.
This day came personally into open court, Joel Foster, residing in the State and Parish a- foresaid, who being sworn according to Law, did declare and say, that he has had the declaration made by him before the Hon. Berlin Childers, then Parish Judge of the Parish of St. Helena afore- said, on the 20 th day of May, 1833, carefully read to him this day. That in addition to the declaration which he then made in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed on the 7 th June 1832, in order to allow the soldiers of the revolution, the services That he is certain he entered the service in the year 1777, but cannot recollect the month, he believes in the month of November. He was then twenty of his 15 th year, hav- ing been born, according to the family register in Au- gust 1762. About two months after the appearance was enrolled, the company was marched down to New Point Comfort, to relieve a guard then stationed there - he was stationed there for two weeks, when the company was relieved for three weeks, when it was again called on the same duty, and so was off and on duty for upwards of two years, and he thinks near three years. During this kind of service, the appearance was called to Gloucester Court House several times, in the company, but the number he cannot re- collect, but as often as an enemy was expected there, or when the British came down up the Bay to the mouth of York River. Appearance after the close of the war, in the year 1785, left the State of Virginia, and went into North Carolina - from North Caroli- na appearance removed to the State of Georgia in the year 1816, and from Georgia he removed to where he now resides in 1821 - That he knows of no living person who has any knowledge of his services as a soldier of the Revolution. Appearance also says from the fact of his having

no written discharge, he supposes he was not in what was called the 'State Troops' - but he always drew rations when on duty. For his character for truth and veracity, applicant refers to all his neighbours, and particularly to the Rev. Samuel Leonard, now the Parish Judge of the Parish of St. Helena aforesaid; to William Collinsworth, John Matthews, Meredith Rees, William Venable and Stanley St. Vins, clergymen of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Interrogatories put to Joel Foster by the court, and his answers to the same.
1. Where, and in what year were you born?
Answer. In Gloucester County, State of Virginia, August 15 th 1762, according to the family Register.
2. Have you any Record of your age, and if so, where is it?
Answer. I have - it is written the family Bible, now in my possession.
3. Where were you living when called into the service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
Answer. When called into service I was living in Gloucester County, Virginia. Afterwards I removed to North Carolina, then to Georgia, and lastly to Louisiana, where I now reside, as I have particularly set out in the preceding declaration.
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted; did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? and if a substitute, for whom?
Answer. I was called into service by my captain - and as I understood on the call off my country. I never was drafted - my services were voluntary. My father was a true whig, and taught his children to believe that his country had a right to their services. I never was a substitute.
5. State the names of some of Regular officers who were with the troops where you served; such Continental and Militia Regi-

ments as you recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
Answer. I never was quartered with the regular troops. I was once under command of Gen. Lafayette, who I have seen - he was then very young, with sandy, or rather flaxen hair. My youth and the great time since my service prevents my remembering many things. I received about two months pay. The facts attending my service, I have set out in the preceding declaration, and the one made before Judge Sheldrop, my signature to which I now see and recognise.
6. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
Answer. I never received a written discharge. After the capture of Cornwallis my commanding officer told me that there was no farther use for my services, and I went home.
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the revolution?
Answer. In addition to the names I have set out in my previous declaration, I add, Dempsey Rump, Wm. Rendrick, Thos. Brittain, Laurence Miller, who has obtained a pension, Abner Womack, Jacob Womack, Isaac Rump, Doct. Thos. Webb and John Glascock. I am not personally acquainted with Gen. Thomas, our representative in Congress, but I have good reason to believe he knows my character sufficiently well to testify to it for truth and veracity. Joel Foster

We, William Venable and Stanley St. Vins, Cler- gymen, residing in the Parish of St. Helena, State of Louisiana, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Joel Foster, who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration; that we believe him to be seventy two years of age; that he is respected and believed in the neighbourhood where he re- sides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and we concur in that opinion.
W m Venable S t Vins
I Clark Woodroff, Judge of the Eighth dis- trict court of the State of Louisiana, before whom the foregoing declaration was made, con- cur in the opinion that Joel Foster was a Revolu- tionary soldier and served as he states.
C. Woodroff Judge of 8 th District
I James H. Blount, Clerk of the Eighth district court of the State of Louisiana, hold- ing sessions in and for the Parish of St. Helena, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said court in the matter of the application of Joel Foster, for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 12 th day of March, 1834.
J. H. Blount Clerk
I Clark Woodroff, only Judge of the Eighth district court of the State of Louisiana, holding sessions in and for the Parish of St. Helena, do certify that James H. Blount, who has signed the forego- ing certificate, is clerk of said court, and said certificate is in due form of Law.
C. Woodroff Judge of 8 th District
12 th June, 1834

State of Louisiana Parish of St. Helena } S o
Be it known, that before me, Micajah Harris, a Justice of the Peace in and for the Parish aforesaid, personally appeared Joel Foster, and made oath in due form of law, that he is the identical Joel Foster named in an original certificate in his pension, of which I certify the following to be a true copy:
"War Department. Revolutionary Claim. I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7 th June, 1832, Joel Foster of the State of Louisiana, who was a private during the Revolutionary War, is entitled to receive Eighty Dollars per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4 th of March 1831, and payable semi annually on the 4 th of March and 4 th of September, in every year. Given at the war office of the United States, this 8 th day of April, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-four.
(Seal)
Lewis Cass, Secretary of War.
Examined and countersigned J. L. Edwards, Com. Missiover of Pensions."
On the back of said document is endorsed - "Payments to be made at New Orleans, La. by Post U. S. Br. Bk. agent for paying pensions, in the agency of La. Recorded in the Pension Office in Book E. Vol. 8, page 45, by John J. Sprague, clerk." "State of Louisiana, Parish of St. Helena. I Samuel Parish Justice of Leonard Parish and State aforesaid, do certify,

That Joel Foster, who has obtained the certificate for a Pension, written on the other half of this sheet of paper, is well known to me, is now living, and is a citizen of the Parish and State aforesaid. Given under my hand and seal of office, this 24th day of October, 1834.
(Sealed)
Samuel Howard P. J.
That he is entitled a pension of Eighty Dollars per annum, on account of services rendered to the United States, during the Revolutionary War; that he now resides in the Parish of St. Helena aforesaid, and that he has resided in said Parish for fourteen years last past; he resided before he came to Louisiana, in the States of Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 8th day of October, 1835.
Mercyiah Harper J. P.
Joel Foster

The State of Louisiana } Know all men by these presents. Parish of St. Helena } That I Joel Foster of the Parish and State aforesaid, and who signed the foregoing affidavit, have this day made, ordained, authorized, nominated and appointed, and by these presents, do make, ordain, authorize nominate and appoint, Stephen H. Verhien, my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name and for my own proper use and benefit, to ask, demand and receive of and from the President of the United States Branch Bank agent for paying pensioners, in the agency of Louisiana, all such sum or sums of money, that is or are now due and owing to me the said Joel Foster as a revolutionary pensioner. (And in conformity with the Law of the United States of the 7 th June 1832, of and from the said President of the United States Branch Bank aforesaid in the city of New Orleans and acquittance or other sufficient discharge to give for the same, for me and in my name, to make, seal and deliver and to do all other lawful acts and things whatsoever concerning the premises as fully in every respect, as I myself might or could do were I personally present at the doing thereof, ratifying and confirming and by these presents allowing whatsoever my said attorney, shall in my name lawf- ully do or cause to be done in and about the premises by virtue of these presents. Done and sealed in the parish of St. Helena aforesaid in presence of Edward Gorman and John Hollaway — Subscribing witnesses, before Samuel Le- nard Parish Judge and the officer noting public the — Second day of December in the Year of our Lord,

Lord One thousand - Eight hundred & thirty five
Edward Loman
Dear Father,
John Hollaway
Samuel Leonard G. G.

And the said court are hereby declare its opinion that the above applicant was a revolutionary. & served as he states
I Martin Chulass Judge of the Parish Court of said Parish do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original Proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Joel Foster for a Pension In to testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office the twentieth  twelfth day of May A D 1833
Martin Chulass, P. C.

{ March '37. to March '38 -
{ Sept. '39 to March 40

State of Louisiana 4/4 Gs. Parish of St. Helena 4/4 Gs. Be it known, that before me, Shepherd B. Draughon a justice of the Peace, in and for the Parish aforesaid personally appeared Joel Foster and made Oath, in due form of Law, that he is the identical person, named in an Original certificate in his possession, of which (I certify) the following is a true copy "War Department Revolutionary claims, I certify that in conformity with the Law of the United States of the 7 th June 1832. Joel Foster of the State of Louisiana, who was a private during the Revolutionary War, is entitled to receive eighty dollars per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4 th of March 1831. and payable, semiannually on the 4 th of March and 4 th of September in every year. Given at the War office of the United States this 8 th day of April one thousand eight hundred and thirty four - Saml. C. C. secretary of War - Examined and countersigned J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions - Payments to be made at New Orleans La. by Pres. A. S. Br. Bk. agent for paying Pensions in the agency of La. Recorded in the Pension office Book E: Vol. 8 page 25 by John F. Sprague Clerk (26.237)" That he now resides in the parish aforesaid and has resided there for the space of Seventeen years past, and that previous thereto he resided in the State of Georgia. Washington County. Sworn and Subscribed this 22 nd day of April 1840 J. B. Draughon J.P.
Joel Foster
State of Louisiana 4/4 Gs. J. Shepherd. 73 Parish of St. Helena 4/4 Gs. Draughon a Magistrate in the Parish above named, do hereby certify, that I have the most satisfactory Evidence to wit, from my own personal acquaintance, that Joel Foster, who has this day appeared before me, to take the Oath of identity, is the identical person named in the pension Certificate which he has exhibited before me, numbered (26.237) and bearing date at the War Office the eighth day of April 1834. and signed by Saml. C. C. secretary of War. Given under my hand at St. Helena aforesaid on the day & year above written J. B. Draughon J.P.

I John Hollaway Clerk of the Courts of the Parish of St. Helena State of Louisiana Certify that Shepherd R. Drayton is a magistrate as alledg that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine In Testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my Seal of Office and subscribed my name this 22 nd day of April in the Year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred & Forty (1840) John Hollaway Clerk of the Court of the Parish of St. Helena
Know all men by these presents, that I Joel Foster of the parish of St. Helena State of Louisiana State of Louisiana  State of Louisiana a Commissioner of the United States do hereby constitute and appoint Isidor Vining my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name, to receive from the agent of the United States for paying pensions in the agency of the State of Louisiana, my pension from the Fourth day of September 1839 to the fourth day of March 1840 Witness my hand and Seal this 22 nd day of April - 1840 Joel Foster Subscribed and delivered in presence of Henry Melton Nicholas Baylies.
The State of Louisiana Parish of St. Helena ss.
Be Known, that on the 22 nd day April 1840 before the Subscriber a justice of the Peace, in and for said Parish, personally appeared Joel Foster above named, and acknowledged the foregoing power of Attorney to be his act and deed. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand, the day and year last above mentioned J. B. Drayton J.P.

State of Louisiana 44 Parish of St. Helena 45 Be it known that on the 22 nd day of April 1848, before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for for said Parish, personally appeared Jose Vining , the attorney named in the foregoing power of attorney, and made oath that the same was not given him, by reason of any sale, transfer or mortgage of the pension or arrears of pension, therein authorized to be received by him
Sworn and subscribed the day and Year last above mentioned before me
Jose Vining
J.B. Draughon J.P.

STATE OF LOUISIANA.
Parish of St Helena
} ss.
BE IT KNOWN, that before me, Walthall Burton , a Justice of the Peace in and for said Parish, personally appeared Joel Foster in his own proper person and made oath in due form of law, that the said
he is still living, and is the identical person named in the original certificate in his possession, of which (I certify) the following is a true copy. War Department Revolutionary Claim. I Certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7 th June 1832 Joel Foster of the State of Louisiana who was a Pirate during the Revolutionary War is entitled to receive eighty dollars per annum during his Natural life Commencing on the 1 st of March 1831 to be payable semiannually on the fourth of March and 4 th Septm r in every year Given at the War office of the United States This 8 th day of April one thousand eight hundred and thirtyfour
Lee C. G. S. Secy of War Examined and Countersigned H. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions that he now resides in Louisiana and has resided there for the space of twenty years past, and that previous thereto he resided in the State of Georgia
Sworn and subscribed, this 14 th day of April 1842, before me. Walthall Burton, J.P.
Joel Foster
I John Holloway Clerk of the Court of the Parish of St Helena La do hereby certify that Walthall Burton is a magistrate, being an acting Justice of the Peace for said Parish and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name, this second day of May A.D. 1842.
J. W. Holloway Clerk

STATE OF LOUISIANA,
Parish of St. Helena
} ss.
BE IT KNOWN, that before me, Walthall Burton a Justice of the Peace in and for said Parish, personally appeared Joel Foster in Guardian of his own proper person and made oath in due form of law, that the said
he is still living, and is the identical person named in the original certificate in his possession, of which (I certify) the following is a true copy. "War Department Revolutionary Claim." I Certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7 th June 1832 Joel Foster of the State of Louisiana who was a Pirate during the Revolutionary War is entitled to receive eighty dollars per annum during his natural life Commencing on the 24 th of March 1831 to be payable semiannually on the fourth of March and 4 th September in every year Given at the War Office of the United States This 8 th day of April one thousand eight hundred and thirtyfour
Lew C. G. S. Secretary of War. Examined and Countersigned H. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
that he now resides in Louisiana and has resided there for the space of twenty years past, and that previous thereto he resided in the State of Georgia
Sworn and subscribed, this 14 th day of April 1842, before me, Walthall Burton, J.P.
Joel Foster
CITIZENS' BANK OF LOUISIANA,
New-Orleans,
18
RECEIVED of
Agent for paying Pensions,
Dollars
Cents, being for months Pension, due to
from the day of
18 , to the
18 , for which I have signed duplicate receipts.
Dolls.

Know all Men by these Presents, That I, Joel Foster  WARD of Louisiana PENSIONER of the UNITED STATES, do hereby constitute and appoint W m Cole — my true and lawful Attorney, for me, and in my name, to receive from the Agent of the United States for paying Pensions in New-Orleans, State of Louisiana, my Pension from the fourth — day of March 1841, to the fourth — day of March — 1842. Witness my Hand and Seal, This fourteenth day of Aprile 1842.
Sealed and delivered } in presence of } C. J. Phillips Wm. Hubbs
Joel Foster
STATE OF LOUISIANA, } Parish of St Helena } ss.
BE IT KNOWN, That on the fourteenth day of Aprile 1842, before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said Parish, personally appeared Joel Foster — above named, and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be his act and deed: In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand the day and year last above mentioned.
Walthall Burton J. PEACE.
STATE OF LOUISIANA, } Parish of St Helena } ss.
BE IT KNOWN, That on the Nineteenth day of April 1842, before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace  Parish Judge in and for said Parish, personally appeared William Cole — the Attorney named in the foregoing Power of Attorney, and made oath that the same was not given him by reason of any sale, transfer or mortgage of the Pension, or arrears of Pension therein authorized to be received by him.
William Cole
SWORN AND SUBSCRIBED, the day and year } last above mentioned, before me — }
Carmel Leveque J. J.

8.26.237
STATE OF LOUISIANA.
Parish of St Helena
ss.
BE IT KNOWN, that before me, Walthall Burton a Justice of the Peace in and for said Parish, personally appeared Joel Foster in his Guardian of own proper person and made oath in due form of law, that the said he is still living, and is the identical person named in the original certificate in his possession, of which (I certify) the following is a true copy.
War Department Revolutionary Claims. I Certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7 th June 1832 Joel Foster of the State of Louisiana who was a Pirate during the Revolution was entitled to receive eighty dollars per annum during his Natural life commencing on the 4 th of March 1831 and payable semiannually on the 4 th of March and 4 th of September in every Year. Given at the War office of the United States this 8 th day of April in thousand eight hundred and thirty four.
Secy of War
Examined and Countersigned J. S. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
that he now resides in Louisiana and has resided there for the space of twenty years past, and that previous thereto he resided in The State of Georgia
GUARDIAN.
Sworn and subscribed, this fourteenth day of April - 1842, before me. Walthall Burton J.P.
Joel Foster
I John Holloway Clerk of the Courts of the Parish of St Helena La. do hereby certify that Walthall Burton is a magistrate being an acting justice of the peace for said parish and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this second day of May A.D.
1842
J. H. Holloway Clerk

STATE OF LOUISIANA
CITIZENS' BANK OF LOUISIANA,
New-Orleans,
18
Dollars
RECEIVED of
Agent for paying Pensions,
Cents, being for months Pension, due to
from the day of
day of 18 , to the
18 , for which I have signed duplicate receipts.
Dolls.

Know all Men by these Presents That I, Joel Foster of Louisiana PENSIONER of the UNITED STATES, do hereby constitute and appoint William Cole my true and lawful Attorney for me, and in my name, to receive from the Agent of the United States for paying Pensions in New Orleans, State of Louisiana, my Pension from the fourth day of March 1842, to the fourth day of March 1842.
Witness my Hand and Seal, This fourteenth day of March 1842.
Sealed and delivered in presence of
C. L. Phillips Wm Hubbs
I hereby recd the power of Attorney May 2 1842
Joel Foster Attorney co-opted Amadeus Mary
STATE OF LOUISIANA, } Parish of St Helena } ss.
BE IT KNOWN, That on the fourteenth day of April 1842, before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said Parish, personally appeared Joel Foster above named, and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be his act and deed: In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand the day and year last above mentioned.
Matthieu Burton J. PEACE.
STATE OF LOUISIANA, } Parish of St Helena } ss.
BE IT KNOWN, That on the Nineteenth day of April 1842, before the subscriber, Parish Judge Justice of the Peace in and for said Parish, personally appeared William Cole the Attorney named in the foregoing Power of Attorney, and made oath that the same was not given him by reason of any sale, transfer or mortgage of the Pension, or arrears of Pension therein authorized to be received by him.
William Cole
SWORN AND SUBSCRIBED, the day and year last above mentioned, before me
Samuel LeBonn

BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division
April 19 1921
Chief of Pension Section
Sir:
I have this day received from Mrs. Viola R. Plummer on draft No. Cash for $ 70 100 requesting post-office addresses as per letter herewith.
Copies mailed I saw this not. Apr 28 21
Very respectfully,
W. M. Campbell Chief of Division.
aw

20.00 cash from Mrs. Viola Cameron  Forster New York City, for certified copies of 3 pages from Rev. War claim of Joel Forster, Va. Troops. Th. 7. 11008
Proctor Law 4/19/21
No receipt necessary

Date Apr. 23, 1921. Name Joel Foster No. W 11008 Va. Troops War Res. Photographic copies wanted of 1 pieces, consisting of 3 pages. Remarks: DeWilton Ex. J. H. Wood Chief Record Div. J. J. Lawrence Serial 4693 No. _____

BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division
April 16, 1921
Chief of Payroll Section Sir:
I have this day received from Mrs. Viola R. Cameron draft No. Cash for $ \frac{15}{100} requesting post office addresses as per letter herewith.
Copy delivered to T. R. Cameron in person April 19, 21 Very respectfully, C. W. Campbell Chief of Division. AW Glenn D. Moxie
AT. | | | | | E

Cash 15 cur & from Mrs. Viola Root Cameron 161 W 74 th St. N.Y. City, for copy of 1 page from Rev. War claim of Joel Foster, Va. Troops, N. J. 11008-
Proctor Law 4/16/21

Call 15 th from Mrs. Viola 161 W. 74 th St. N.Y.C. of hope from Rev. Mr. Forster, Vir. Towns,
Wilson Rev. War Section

Date Apr. 18, 1921 Name Joel Foster No. W. 11008 Va. Troops. Near Red Photographic copies wanted of 1 pieces, consisting of 1 pages. Remarks: J. H. Wood A. B. Wilson Etr. Chief Rec. Div. J. J. Deneen Clerk. Serial 4668 No. _____
See 1 Jan

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 11008  Rev
Mary Foster Wid.
Joel Foster Pri. Rev.
Act: Feb. 2 nd / 53
Index:—Vol. A , Page 246
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1921. Apr. 19. Photo of one page delivered in person to Viola Robt Cameron N.Y. City 1951. Apr. 28. Photos of 3 pages delivered mailed to Viola Ross Cameron 169 W. 74 th St. N.Y.C.

The State of Louisiana } On this the 11 th day of August Parish of St Helena } Sept 1857 before me the undersigned an acting justice of the Peace in & for the Parish & State aforesaid - Personally came & appeared George W. Womack & John Burton, both residents of the Parish & State aforesaid who, first being duly sworn, de- pose and say that they were intimately acquainted with Mrs Mary Foster in the lifetime of Joel Foster - That they knew Joel Foster in his lifetime & for twenty years previous to his death - That he resided in the Parish of St Helena - That said Joel & Mary Foster came to this country as man and wife and lived in this Parish as such up to the time of the death of said Joel - That said Mary Foster lived in the house of said Joel as his wife - was so treated & reputed - That they had several children who are all known to us - That said Joel died in the Parish of St Helena about August 1857 and said Mary Foster is still a widow - That they believe said Joel is the identical Joel Foster who was entitled to a pension under the Laws of the United States - as they have assisted him in preparing his papers & enable him to draw said pension - That they know for several years while living he received a pension, being paid in New Orleans That they lived near neighbors to said Joel & family, during the time he resided in this Parish - & now live near the residence of his widow - That they are en- tirely disinterested in the prosecution of this claim or in making this affidavit - That the Mary Foster who made & subscribed the accompanying declarations before John E. Wilson, Judge of the 8 th Judicial District of Louisiana is the identical Mary Foster who was the wife & is now the widow of the late Joel Foster, deceased.
Sworn to & subscribed before me } Geo W Womack on the day & date first above } John Burton written and I am not qualified in the prosecution of this claim } Parker J. S.

The State of Louisiana } I James A Williams Parish of St Helena } Clerk of the 8 th District } Court of said State and Parish Hereby Certify that James Parker whose signature appears to the foregoing Certificate and attestation was at the time of so doing an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said Parish duly elected Commissioned & sworn - that his signature thereto is genuine and his attestation is in due form of Law - With my signature and Seal Official this 11 th day of August A D 1857 - J A Williams Clerk

State of Louisiana } Parish of St. Helena } Be it known that before me Shepherd B. Draughon a Justice of the Peace in and for the Parish aforesaid personally appeared Joel Foster and made oath in due form of law, that he is the identical person named in an original Certificate in his possession, of which (I certify) the following is a true Copy - "War Department, Revolutionary Pensions. I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7 th June 1832. Joel Foster of the State of Louisiana, who was a private during the Revolutionary War is entitled to receive, eighty dollars per annum, during his natural life commencing on the 4 th of March 1831. and payable semiannually on the 4 th of March and 4 th of September in every year. Given at the War. Office of the United States, the 8 th day of April. One thousand eight hundred and thirty four. Lewis Cass. Secretary of War Examined and Countersigned - J. G. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Payments to be made at New Orleans. La. by First Natl. Bank agency for paying pensions in the agency of La. Recorded in the Pension office in Book E. Vol. 8 page 115. by John F. Sprague Clerk (26.237)"
That he now resides in the Parish aforesaid, and has resided there for the space of Seventeen Years past, and previous thereto he resided in the State of Georgia Washington County. Sworn and Subscribed the 22 nd day of April 1849 J. B. Draughon J.P.
The State of Louisiana } Parish of St. Helena } I Shepherd B. Draughon a magistrate in the Parish above named, do hereby certify, that I have the most satisfactory evidence, from those with personal acquaintance, that Joel Foster, who has this day appeared before me to take the oath of Identity, is the identical person, named in the pension Certificate which he has exhibited before me, numbered (26.237) and bearing date at the War Office the eighth day of April 1834 and signed by Lewis Cass Secretary of War given under my hand at St. Helena aforesaid on the day and year above written. J. B. Draughon J.P.

I John Holliman Clerk of the Courts of the Parish of St. Helena State of Louisiana. Certify that Stephen B. Prangham is a magistrate as above, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his, is genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my Seal of office, and subscribed my name this 22 nd day of April in the Year of our Lord One Thousand eight hundred and thirty nine one forty (1840)
John Holliman
Clerk of the Court of the Parish of St. Helena
Know all men by these presents, that I Joel Foster of the Parish of St. Helena State of Louisiana, a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States, do hereby constitute and appoint Jesse Verine my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name, to receive from the agent of the United States for paying pensions in the agency of the State of Louisiana my pension from the fourth day of September 1839 to the fourth day of March 1840. Witness my hand and Seal this 22 nd day of April 1840 1840 Joel Foster Sealed and delivered in presence of, Henry Melton Nicholas Bayle
The State of Louisiana ) Parish of St. Helena ) Be it known, that on the 22 nd day of April 1840 before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said parish, personally appeared Joel Foster above named, and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be his act and deed. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, the day and year last above mentioned. S. B. Prangham J.P.

Claim of Mrs Mary Foster No 6818
For arrears of pension
Pensions under act of 3 rd Feby 1853
W. H. Thompson
Greensburg
Louisiana
See envelope

State of Louisiana } Be it known, that Parish of St Helena } before me Julius E. Wilson Judge of the 8 th Judicial District Court in and for said parish and state Personally appeared Mrs. Mary Foster a resident of said Parish and state aged about eighty years and made oath in due form of law that she is the widow of Joel Foster the identical person who was a pensioner, and is now dead, and to whom a Certificate of Pension was issued by Lewis Cass Secretary of War of date 8 th Day of April 1834- recorded in pension office Book re. Vol 8 page 45- which Certificate is now lost, but a certified copy thereof is filed herewith That the Deceased pensioner resided in the parish of St Helena said State of Louisiana for the space of Thirty years before his death, having previously resided in the State of Georgia and North Carolina- Sworn to and subscribed } Mary Foster before me this the day of } July 21- } AD 1857 } Julius E. Wilson Judge 8 th Judicial District of Louisiana.
State of Louisiana } I, James A. Williams Clerk Parish of St Helena } of the 8 th Dist Court of said State And parish Do hereby Certify That satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court that Joel Foster was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of eighty Dollars per Annum- that he was a resident of the parish of St Helena state of Louisiana and died in the year 1851 in said parish and state- on the 12 th day of August of said year and that he left surviving him a widow whose Mrs. Mary Foster whose maiden name was Mary Staply- and that the Pension Certificate is lost-
I further Certify that Julius E. Wilson Esqr before whom the foregoing affidavit was made is and was at the time

So doing Presiding Judge of the Eighth Judicial District Court of the state of Louisiana having Jurisdiction in and for the parish of St Helena duly elected Commissioner and sworn, that his signature thereto is genuine his attestation in due form and that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit - I further certify that said 8th District Court is a Court of Record -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my Seal of office, and subscribed my name. This Twelfth day of August A D 1857 -
J. M. Williams Clerk

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Foster, John GRADE Private LINE Connecticut
WARRANT NUMBER 5775 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED Nov. 19, 1789 to not shown
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.